Crime Junkie – SURVIVING: Ernest Pine (January 5, 2026)

Overview

In this gripping episode, host Ashley Flowers (despite being sick) and cohost Brit Prawat deliver an urgent warning to the residents of Elizabethtown, Kentucky—and to all listeners—about the terrifying case of Ernest Pine. The episode explores his shocking, brutal attack on a neighbor in 2008, the survivor’s extraordinary courage, and a chilling possible link to an unsolved 1992 murder. The hosts delve deeply into themes of survival, justice, the long shadow of trauma, and the ways systems often fail survivors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Linda’s Survival and Heroism

• Linda’s Story Unveiled:
  • Ashley introduces the pseudonymous survivor, Linda, who was attacked in her own home in front of her sleeping toddler granddaughter ([00:05]).
  • “There is a man living among you who committed one of the most violent, heinous crimes on a neighbor… The only reason police knew where to go… is because the victim wrote his name in her own blood and somehow managed to survive.” — Ashley Flowers ([00:05])
• The Attack:
  • Ernest Pine entered Linda’s home under the pretense of discussing a boat dock. Upon learning Linda’s husband was out, his demeanor changed; he forced his way in, armed with a gun, knife, and zip ties.
  • Despite being assaulted, beaten, bound, and stabbed repeatedly—her throat slit "ear to ear"—Linda clung to life. She managed to stave off unconsciousness, apply towels to her own wounds, and, in a moment of supreme courage, wrote "PINE" in her own blood on the wall ([08:00]).
• Immediate Aftermath:
  • After Pine left, Linda hit the security system’s panic button and called family, resulting in a rapid police and ambulance response. First responders arrived within minutes and Linda, still conscious, identified her attacker ([09:00]).

2. The Investigation and Arrest

• Quick Police Response:
  • Authorities descended on Ernest Pine’s home (only a minute’s drive away) later that night. Pine denied everything initially ([10:00]).
• Police Interrogation Extracts:
  • Extensive audio from Pine’s post-arrest interrogation is played. He attempts to deflect, minimize, or outright deny involvement, even attempting to technically define “sexual assault” to avoid self-incrimination ([12:33]-[23:28]).
  • Notable Exchange (Ernest Pine’s deflection):
    • “To me, a sexual assault would be a rape.” — Ernest Pine
    • “Well… she’s saying that you stuck some things up in her vagina and her anus, some foreign objects… If that wasn’t for sexual gratification… that may not be sexual assault?” — Detective Jason Folks ([19:43]-[20:29])
• Mountain of Evidence:
  • Ashley and Brit emphasize the overwhelming physical evidence: Pine had injuries, Linda’s blood on his clothing and weapons, the jammed gun, hunting knives, zip ties, rope, matching bloody footprints, and more—all corroborating Linda’s account ([24:00]).

3. Possible Link to a Cold Case: Elena Sanchez Hawkins (1992)

• Similar Crime 16 Years Prior:
  • During Pine’s indictment hearing, a man told Linda’s family he believed Ernest Pine killed his own daughter-in-law Elena in a strikingly similar 1992 case in Elizabethtown.
• Elena’s Case Details:
  • Elena was found by her husband, throat slit, hands bound, murdered with her young child unharmed in the home. No forced entry; she possibly knew her killer ([28:30]-[32:00]).
  • Neighbors recalled a black Nissan Datsun pickup at the crime scene. Elena had been followed and stared at by a suspicious man during her overnight gas station shifts. Despite some DNA evidence, no one was ever charged.
• Comparing the Cases:
  • Both victims: physically similar, both bound, both attacked at home with a small child present, both suffering throat slashing. In both cases, the attacker brought or used weapons found at the scene, and left with them ([35:05]-[37:23]).
  • Ashley questions whether the sexual assault elements in both cases were similar, noting ambiguity in police reporting and definitions at the time.
• Pine’s Connection to Elizabethtown:
  • The hosts uncover that Ernest Pine lived in Elizabethtown in 1992, just five miles from Elena, and worked odd jobs, including night shifts and pizza delivery. He was a church member near Elena’s gas station ([44:05]).

4. The Legal Outcome and Aftermath

• Plea and Sentencing:
  • Pine pleaded guilty to several charges, but sentences were concurrent, totaling 20 years ([39:00]).
  • “It never ceases to amaze me how you get a lighter sentence for attempted murder… just because you didn’t do it right?” — Brit ([39:59])
• Parole and Release:
  • Pine was released after serving only 17 years. Kentucky law allows parole consideration after 85% of a sentence. His “church work” in prison purportedly influenced the board ([42:10]).
  • Ashley and Brit express outrage at the lenient system and highlight survivors’ ongoing vulnerability ([43:07]).

5. Linda’s Enduring Struggles and the Toll of Crime

• Lifelong Impact:
  • Linda faces serious, lifelong trauma, is never left alone, and her husband’s health may have suffered from prolonged stress ([52:14]).
  • She and her family have faced crippling medical debt with little recourse; Pine’s assets were protected via divorce and transfer ([50:19]-[51:52]).
  • Ashley highlights the “unspoken costs” for survivors: “Survivors don't just have their physical well-being taken… On top of all of that, they often have to pay literal money for what their attacker did” ([50:49]).
• Lack of Accountability and Family Denial:
  • Pine’s family reportedly continues to stand by him, refusing to relinquish assets or acknowledge his crimes. Attempts by the podcast team to get family input were rebuffed ([49:33]-[49:45]).

6. Justice for Elena and the Ongoing Investigation

• Cold Case Still Open:
  • Despite the striking similarities and Pine’s presence in Elizabethtown, police have not officially connected him to Elena’s case. The DNA evidence remains ambiguous or untested; the family receives few answers ([40:49]-[41:40]).
  • Listeners are urged to contact Kentucky State Police Post Four or the Crime Junkie tips line if they have information ([54:59]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On survivor’s strength:
  • “When she finishes the final ‘e’ in his last name—Pine—somehow… Linda pushes herself up off the floor and makes her way out of the utility room…” ([08:00]) — Ashley Flowers
• On the mountain of proof:
  • “I mean, what more do they even need, though? Linda wrote his name in blood.” ([23:34]) — Brit
• On legal frustration:
  • “You told her she was going to die that day. You kept coming back… and just because by some miracle she survived, you get out of prison to maybe do this again to somebody?” ([40:12]) — Brit
• On denied justice:
  • “This is what we do. There's not a particular reason why we have to be talking to you… This is your opportunity to help yourself. The good thing here is that she hasn't died. Okay?” ([19:13]-[19:26]) — Detective Jason Folks

Important Timestamps

• [00:05]: The brutal assault on Linda is introduced, details of the attack outlined.
• [08:00]: Linda survives, writes Pine’s name in blood, calls for help.
• [10:00]: Police respond, encounter with Ernest Pine.
• [12:33]–[23:28]: Key police interrogation exchange; Pine denies, then equivocates, evidence mounts.
• [24:00]–[25:34]: Physical evidence corroborates everything Linda reported.
• [28:30]–[32:00]: The unsolved case of Elena Sanchez Hawkins is introduced and discussed.
• [35:05]: Analysis of similarities between Linda and Elena’s cases.
• [39:00]: Pine pleads guilty; sentencing explained.
• [42:10]: Pine’s release from prison discussed.
• [50:19]–[52:14]: The devastating impact of the crimes on survivors and families.
• [54:59]: Call to listeners for tips in Elena’s unsolved murder.

Tone & Style Notes

Ashley and Brit maintain their classic empathetic, suspenseful, and advocacy-driven tone—balancing detailed storytelling with outrage at injustice, compassion for survivors, and a relentless drive to expose the truth. The discussion is graphic and unflinching by request of the survivor, but never gratuitous.

Resources

• If you have information about Elena Sanchez Hawkins’ murder:
  • Contact Kentucky State Police Post 4
  • Or email tips@audiochuck.com (the show will forward it)
• For survivors of sexual violence:
  • Contact RAINN’s National Sexual Abuse Hotline (see show notes)

This summary covers the critical narrative arc, evidentiary highlights, and emotional impact, providing a comprehensive guide for those who want to understand this episode’s weight without listening.